Alister Thorpe

My name is Alister Thorpe, I am a grassroots Aboriginal community member from the Gunai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung nations. I am standing for the First Peoples’ Assembly, to uphold cultural governance, share my knowledge, and ensure Treaty outcomes are implemented.

As a member I demonstrated my commitment, accountability, and integrity to all First Peoples in Victoria.  I provided leadership in the Assembly as a convenor for the Yurpa committee (cultural governance), the Treaty committee (overseeing negotiations), and as a Council member.

As a collective we activated the truth telling process that led to the establishment of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.  We created additional pathways for unrecognised nations – strengthening the collective governance.  And ultimately, we successfully negotiated the first State-wide Treaty.  We also laid a strong foundation for future treaty making, that will include Traditional Owner Treaties.

The next phase of the Assembly, through the newly established Gellung Warl, will require further commitment and hard work to support the effective implementation of the first State-wide Treaty. If elected I promise to continue to bring my cultural values, knowledge, integrity, hard work and commitment to the Assembly, to ensure the next Treaty builds upon the first.